Reactivity Series KS3 Worksheet Notes

Overview

• Objective: Understand the order of metal reactivity and apply this knowledge to various chemical reactions and applications.
• Topics Covered: Reactivity series, chemical equations with metals, testing for gases, extraction methods, and displacement reactions.

Reactivity Order

• Most Reactive to Least Reactive Metals:
  1. Potassium
  2. Sodium
  3. Calcium
  4. Magnesium
  5. Zinc
  6. Iron
  7. Lead
  8. Copper
  9. Gold

Key Chemical Reactions

1. Reactions with Oxygen, Water, and Acids

   • Metal + Oxygen: Produces metal oxide.
   • Metal + Water: Produces metal hydroxide and hydrogen.
   • Metal + Acid: Produces salt and hydrogen.

2. Specific Reactions

   • Magnesium burning in air: Forms magnesium oxide.
   • Copper in water: No reaction, as copper is not reactive enough.
   • Sodium with Hydrochloric Acid: Produces sodium chloride and hydrogen.

Testing and Extraction

• Testing for Hydrogen Gas: Using a lit spill; a positive test results in a squeaky pop sound.
• Extraction of Metals:
  • Metals more reactive than carbon are extracted via electrolysis.

Applications of Gold

• Jewelry: Gold is used because it is very unreactive and does not react with skin.

Displacement Reactions

• Rule: A more reactive metal will displace a less reactive metal from its compound.
• Examples from Reactions:
  • Copper Sulfate + Magnesium: Magnesium displaces copper.
  • Magnesium Sulfate + Zinc: No reaction, as zinc is less reactive.

Reaction Equations

• Word and Symbol Equations:
  • Copper Sulfate + Magnesium → Magnesium Sulfate + Copper
    • Symbol: CuSO₄ + Mg → MgSO₄ + Cu
  • Copper Sulfate + Zinc → Zinc Sulfate + Copper
    • Symbol: CuSO₄ + Zn → ZnSO₄ + Cu
  • Zinc Sulfate + Magnesium → Magnesium Sulfate + Zinc
    • Symbol: ZnSO₄ + Mg → MgSO₄ + Zn

Conclusion

• Understanding the reactivity series allows prediction of reactions between metals and other substances.
• Displacement reactions are a key application of reactivity knowledge.